By invitation from the Government Policy Procurement Board - Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO), the Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) participated in the specialized training for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to capacitate them with knowledge of the procurement process and be able to join government’s procurement projects and opportunities..
Anchored on the theme, "Empowering MSME: Essential Training in Philippine Public Procurement,” the activity took place on July 10, 2024 at the GPPB-TSO Office in the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
PS-DBM’s resource speaker was Mr. Brian N. Gerona, Customer Service Head of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS). In his discussion, the key features and functionalities of the modernized PhilGEPS were highlighted.
Focused on MSMEs, the Government of the Philippines - Official Merchants Registry was given emphasis, along with merchant membership types, PhilGEPS notices, supplier registration, Platinum certification, and the use of eBidding facility, among others — all of which were tackled in the context of accessing procurement opportunities through PhilGEPS.
PS-DBM recognizes the relevance of MSMEs’ participation in government procurement, as it manifests inclusivity and fairness of the procurement landscape, enabling them to compete on a level playing field. With MSMEs acting as market operators, a more competitive market is fostered.
Through PS-DBM’s PhilGEPS, procuring entities and suppliers are provided with a platform that serves as the single electronic portal for information on the conduct of all procurement activities of the government. Apart from promoting healthier competition among merchants, MSMEs’ use of PhilGEPS also bolsters digital transformation as part of the government’s agenda for prosperity.
PS-DBM, as the government’s central purchasing arm for common-use supplies and equipment (CSE), actively takes part in engagements whether for client-agencies or suppliers including MSMEs to ensure that the products it offers are sourced only from legally, technically, and financially capable suppliers. | July 31, 2024/PM